The best ways to dehumidify

Matthew BadgerUpdated July 19, 2017

The Environmental Protection Agency recommends a humidity level between 30 and 60 per cent in any household to maintain good health and comfort. When too high, humidity can cause harmful mould spores to grow and thrive in the building materials of your house, leading to dangerous living conditions. There are various ways to dehumidify a room in your house including the use of chemical desiccants and dehumidifier appliances. Electric dehumidifiers are effective against acute humidity problems while desiccants are great for reducing air moisture in the long term.

Electric Dehumidifiers

The most aggressive and efficient way to remove humidity is to purchase an electric air dehumidifier. These appliances are designed to dry and pump moisture out of the air. The technology is very similar to that of air conditioners or refrigerators, but with greater air-drying ability. Most pump systems are designed with a fan, a hot coil and a cold coil to take in moist air and release dry air.

Silica Gel Dehumidifier

Silica gel dehumidifiers are designed to chemically absorb the moisture in the air and collect the water at the same time. Place these gel containers throughout the room or house, and the silica granule desiccants will pull water molecules out of the air. Keep silica desiccants out of reach of children or pets, as they are poisonous. Good ventilation contributes to the success of this method.

Rock Salt Homemade Dehumidifier

Rock salt is an affordable and reusable option that works steadily to dry air over a long period. Much like the silica gel, rock salt is a desiccant and can reduce air moisture without electricity or much preparation. The common approach is to fill a clean 5-gallon bucket with rock salt, let sit until the crystals are wet to the touch, pour the rock salt onto a tarp or plastic sheet and let dry before collecting in the bucket for reuse. Good air ventilation is key to the success of this method.